Verdant | Definition of Verdant by Merriam-Webster 5 Better Ways to Say 'Green' Did You Know? English speakers have been using "verdant" as a ripe synonym of "green" since the late 16th century, and as a descriptive term for inexperienced or naive people since the 1820s. (By contrast, the more experienced "green" has colored our language since well before the 12th century, and was first applied to inexperienced people in the 1540s.) "Verdant" is derived from the Old French word for "green," vert, which in turn is from Latin virērē, meaning "to be green." Today, "vert" is used in English as a word for green forest vegetation and the heraldic color green.

Another descendant of "virere" is the adjective virescent, meaning "beginning to be green." Origin and Etymology of verdant contracted from Medieval French verdoyant, from present participle of verdoyer “to be green, turn green,” going back to Old French verdoier, from verd, vert “green” (going back to Latin viridis, from a base *wir-, whence virēre “to show green growth, be green” of uncertain origin) + -oier, factitive verb suffix, going back to Latin -idiāre, originally representing variant pronunciation (or spelling variant) of -izāre -ize ◆Latin viridis and virēre have been linked to Lithuanian visti “to multiply, breed,” veisti “to breed, rear,” as well as to Old English wīse “sprout, stalk,” Old High German wisa “meadow,” though the semantic connections are vague enough to make this a very tenuous hypothesis.

First Known Use: 1581 verdant - definition of verdant in English | Oxford Dictionaries Definition of verdant in English: verdant 1(of countryside) green with grass or other rich vegetation: ‘verdant valleys’ More example sentences ‘It is not just youngsters who are flocking to this charming, antique building in a verdant setting.’ ‘For an especially breathtaking adventure, hike into Hanakapiai, one of the valleys past verdant, sleepy Hanalei.’ ‘Behind, where the verdant valley dropped away, is a market square, and behind that, a verdant valley.’ ‘But don't forget the Northern forests, lakes, beautiful hills and verdant valleys.’ ‘North of Wellington, lushly tucked into the verdant Hutt River valley, lies Upper Hutt, population 36, 660, town of my youth.’ ‘Both are straight out of the pages of a racy period novel, with stunning views over a verdant valley where thoroughbreds roam free.’ ‘She picks that not for it's literary history, as I was expecting, but rather for verdant countryside dotted with sheep.’ ‘From where we stand, we see the vast, verdant Kumaon valley.’

 ‘Tiny houses were strung out along our route, framed in their verdant patch of coffee, banana and vegetables.’ ‘The couple's Holy Grail was a huge mansion in the verdant English countryside.’ ‘Glorious shots of the verdant Cuban countryside alternate with graceful, old Spanish cityscapes from Havana.’ ‘The whole expedition was memorable, and I made myself a promise, that I would return to these verdant valleys soon again.’ ‘Having reached the peak, we got a stunningly beautiful view of the verdant valley below encircled by green hills.’ ‘Before my gaze was a misty, lush forest, falling away in steep slopes and verdant levels to a hidden valley below.’ ‘This verdant valley at the meeting point of the Eastern and Western Ghats is bereft of any civic or infrastructure development.’ ‘It's the 1880s, and the West is still a tabula rasa, a never-ending sea of verdant prairies, rolling valleys and panoramic skies.’ ‘Rising from the verdant splendour of the Ukrainian countryside, Zaporozhye looks like a diabolical inferno; a city on fire.’ ‘It is produced in verdant countryside inland from the coast north

 of the city of Oporto which is known as the Costa Verde or Green Coast.’ ‘The verdant hills and raised valleys are ideal for its commodes with ample erect telegraph poles to mark its new territorial space.’ ‘St.

Mary's is not clustered in a village as churches often are but stands alone in the verdant countryside.’ Synonyms lush, rich, flourishing, thriving, teeming, prolific, rampant, overgrown, dense, thick, jungle-like jungly verdant | Definition, meaning & more | Collins Dictionary adverb Word origin of 'verdant' prob. verdure + -ant , based on MFr verdoyant < OFr verdoiant, prp. of verdoier, to be green < verd, green: see vert1 Example sentences containing 'verdant' And beyond this verdant place, the walls of a city, warmed by the setting sun . Clive Barker GALILEE Mr Golightly examined the verdant treacherous vegetation, over which hovered hoards of tiny primeval insects . Salley Vickers MR GOLIGHTLY'S HOLIDAY The invitation in her verdant eyes disarmed women and seduced men.

Adair, Tom (Intro) THREE KINDS OF KISSING - SCOTTISH SHORT STORIES verdant - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com Random Word verdant When something is green with plant life it's verdant, a word often used to idealize the countryside with its verdant pastures or verdant hills. Here's a trick for internalizing verdant's meaning: If you speak Spanish, think of verde — meaning "green." If you speak French, think of vert. Both French and Spanish inherited their words for green from Latin, in which green is viridis. Verdant also can mean grass-colored: "She wore a dress of verdant green." Verdant - definition of verdant by The Free Dictionary Verdant - definition of verdant by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Legal , Wikipedia . ver·dant 1. Green with vegetation; covered with green growth. 2. Green in hue. 3. Lacking experience or sophistication; naive. [French verdoyant, from Old French, present participle of verdoyer, to become green, from Vulgar Latin *viridiāre, from Latin viridis.] ver′dan·cy n. 1. covered with green vegetation 2.

(of plants, etc) green in colour 3. immature or unsophisticated; green [C16: from Old French verdoyant, from verdoyer to become green, from Old French verd green, from Latin viridis, from virēre to be green] ˈverdancy n 1. green with vegetation; covered with growing plants or grass. 2. of the color green. 3. inexperienced; unsophisticated. verdant - characterized by abundance of verdure abundant - present in great quantity; "an abundant supply of water" verdant adjective (Literary) green , lush , leafy , grassy , fresh , flourishing a small verdant garden with a view over Paris Translations [ˈvɜːrdənt] (literary) adj (= lush) → verdoyant (e) verdant verdant [ˈvɜːd/ənt] adj (liter) → verdeggiante Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: putting green References in classic literature ?

A spring, which many long years before had induced the natives to select the place for their temporary fortification, was soon cleared of leaves, and a fountain of crystal gushed from the bed, diffusing its waters over the verdant hillock. View in context With a brief sketch, therefore, of the circumstances amid which the foundation of the house was laid, and a rapid glimpse at its quaint exterior, as it grew black in the prevalent east wind,--pointing, too, here and there, at some spot of more verdant mossiness on its roof and walls,--we shall commence the real action of our tale at an epoch not very remote from the present day.

View in context I had set out from Whitcross on a Tuesday afternoon, and early on the succeeding Thursday morning the coach stopped to water the horses at a wayside inn, situated in the midst of scenery whose green hedges and large fields and low pastoral hills (how mild of feature and verdant of hue compared with the stern North-Midland moors of Morton View in context Thus talking hand in hand alone they pass'd On to thir blissful Bower; it was a place Chos'n by the sovran Planter, when he fram'd All things to mans delightful use; the roofe Of thickest covert was inwoven shade Laurel and Mirtle, and what higher grew Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side ACANTHUS, and each odorous bushie shrub Fenc'd up the verdant wall; each beauteous flour, IRIS all hues, Roses, and Gessamin Rear'd high thir flourisht heads between, and wrought Mosaic; underfoot the Violet, Crocus, and Hyacinth with rich inlay Broiderd the ground, more colour'd then with stone Of costliest Emblem: other Creature here Beast, Bird, Insect, or Worm durst

 enter none; Such was thir awe of man.

View in context Trust me each state must have its policies: Kingdoms have edicts, cities have their charters; Even the wild outlaw, in his forest-walk, Keeps yet some touch of civil discipline; For not since Adam wore his verdant apron, Hath man with man in social union dwelt, But laws were made to draw that union closer. Verdant dictionary definition | verdant defined » more... The man with verdant eyes stood beside him, watching her. The verdant pines outside the fortress wall were beautiful, and she watched their long pine needles stir in an early morning breeze. Verdant forests stretched to the steely sky, a swath of green, brown, and grey. The whole effect of the grim castle, the silvery stream and the verdant woods makes one of the most striking scenes in Belgium. Long) is very striking, in turns rugged and desolate, verdant and smiling, with patches of dense forest and heights wooded to their summit. Color Wheel Pro: Color Meaning Color Meaning Red Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense color.

It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a color found in many national flags. Red brings text and images to the foreground. Use it as an accent color to stimulate people to make quick decisions; it is a perfect color for 'Buy Now' or 'Click Here' buttons on Internet banners and websites. In advertising, red is often used to evoke erotic feelings (red lips, red nails, red-light districts, 'Lady in Red', etc). Red is widely used to indicate danger (high voltage signs, traffic lights). This color is also commonly associated with energy, so you can use it when promoting energy drinks, games, cars, items related to sports and high physical activity. Light red represents joy, sexuality, passion, sensitivity, and love. Pink signifies romance, love, and friendship. It denotes feminine qualities and passiveness. Dark red is associated with vigor, willpower, rage, anger, leadership, courage, longing, malice, and wrath. Brown suggests stability and denotes masculine qualities. Reddish-brown is associated with harvest and fall.

Orange Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation. To the human eye, orange is a very hot color, so it gives the sensation of heat. Nevertheless, orange is not as aggressive as red. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an invigorating effect, and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people. As a citrus color, orange is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetite. Orange is the color of fall and harvest. In heraldry, orange is symbolic of strength and endurance. Orange has very high visibility, so you can use it to catch attention and highlight the most important elements of your design. Orange is very effective for promoting food products and toys. Dark orange can mean deceit and distrust. Red-orange corresponds to desire, sexual passion, pleasure, domination, aggression, and thirst for action. Gold evokes the feeling of prestige. The meaning of gold is illumination, wisdom, and wealth. Gold often symbolizes high quality. Yellow Yellow is the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy.

Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is often associated with food. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this color. When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow is seen before other colors when placed against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning. In heraldry, yellow indicates honor and loyalty. Later the meaning of yellow was connected with cowardice. Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings. You can choose yellow to promote children's products and items related to leisure. Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight the most important elements of your design. Men usually perceive yellow as a very lighthearted, 'childish' color, so it is not recommended to use yellow when selling prestigious, expensive products to men – nobody will buy a yellow business suit or a yellow Mercedes. Yellow is an unstable and spontaneous color, so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and safety. Light yellow tends to disappear into white, so it usually needs a dark color to highlight it.

Shades of yellow are visually unappealing because they loose cheerfulness and become dingy. Dull (dingy) yellow represents caution, decay, sickness, and jealousy. Light yellow is associated with intellect, freshness, and joy. Green Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with money. Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance. Sometimes green denotes lack of experience; for example, a 'greenhorn' is a novice. In heraldry, green indicates growth and hope. Green, as opposed to red, means safety; it is the color of free passage in road traffic. Use green to indicate safety when advertising drugs and medical products. Green is directly related to nature, so you can use it to promote 'green' products. Dull, darker green is commonly associated with money, the financial world, banking, and Wall Street. Dark green is associated with ambition, greed, and jealousy. Yellow-green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy. Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection.

Olive green is the traditional color of peace. Blue Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety and sincerity. You can use blue to promote products and services related to cleanliness (water purification filters, cleaning liquids, vodka), air and sky (airlines, airports, air conditioners), water and sea (sea voyages, mineral water). As opposed to emotionally warm colors like red, orange, and yellow; blue is linked to consciousness and intellect. Use blue to suggest precision when promoting high-tech products. Blue is a masculine color; according to studies, it is highly accepted among males. Dark blue is associated with depth, expertise, and stability; it is a preferred color for corporate America. Avoid using blue when promoting food and cooking, because blue suppresses appetite.

When used together with warm colors like yellow or red, blue can create high-impact, vibrant designs; for example, blue-yellow-red is a perfect color scheme for a superhero. Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquility, understanding, and softness. Dark blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness. Purple Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Purple is associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance. Purple is associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic. According to surveys, almost 75 percent of pre-adolescent children prefer purple to all other colors. Purple is a very rare color in nature; some people consider it to be artificial. Light purple is a good choice for a feminine design. You can use bright purple when promoting children's products. Light purple evokes romantic and nostalgic feelings. Dark purple evokes gloom and sad feelings. It can cause frustration. White White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. White means safety, purity, and cleanliness.

As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. White can represent a successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity. In advertising, white is associated with coolness and cleanliness because it's the color of snow. You can use white to suggest simplicity in high-tech products. White is an appropriate color for charitable organizations; angels are usually imagined wearing white clothes. White is associated with hospitals, doctors, and sterility, so you can use white to suggest safety when promoting medical products. White is often associated with low weight, low-fat food, and dairy products. Black Black is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery. Black is a mysterious color associated with fear and the unknown (black holes). It usually has a negative connotation (blacklist, black humor, 'black death'). Black denotes strength and authority; it is considered to be a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color (black tie, black Mercedes). In heraldry, black is the symbol of grief. Black gives the feeling of perspective and depth, but a black background diminishes readability. A black suit or dress can make you look thinner.

When designing for a gallery of art or photography, you can use a black or gray background to make the other colors stand out. Black contrasts well with bright colors. Combined with red or orange – other very powerful colors – black gives a very aggressive color scheme. Infographic made by GraphicSprings Color Meanings and Moods Astronomical Color Like death and taxes, there is no escaping color . It is ubiquitous. Yet what does it all mean? Why are people more relaxed in green rooms? Why do weightlifters do their best in blue gyms? Colors often have different meanings in various cultures. And even in Western societies, the meanings of various colors have changed over the years. But today in the U.S., researchers have generally found the following to be accurate. Black Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula , often wear black. White Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity.

White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility. Red The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention. The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy. Blue The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms.

Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms. Green Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in "green rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring bad luck. Yellow Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism. Purple The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial. Brown Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature.

Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors. Colors of the Flag In the U.S. flag , white stands for purity and innocence. Red represents valor and hardiness, while blue signifies justice, perseverance, and vigilance. The stars represent the heavens and all the good that people strive for, while the stripes emulate the sun's rays. Food for Thought While blue is one of the most popular colors it is one of the least appetizing. Blue food is rare in nature. Food researchers say that when humans searched for food, they learned to avoid toxic or spoiled objects, which were often blue, black, or purple. When food dyed blue is served to study subjects, they lose appetite. Green, brown, and red are the most popular food colors. Red is often used in restaurant decorating schemes because it is an appetite stimulant. More from Color: Psychology, Symbolism, and Interesting Facts Did you know? Symbolism of Color: Using Color for Meaning Color in Symbolism | Art Lessons in Color | Color Matters Graphs ] What do Colors Symbolize? Colors hold significance for people around the world.

Not only do colors influence emotion, but they also hold meaning in religion and various cultures. On this page you will get answers to questions like, "What does the color red symbolize?" This question is answered differently depending on where you are located in the world. If you don't see what you are looking for on this page, please put your questions in the comments section at the bottom of this page. Western world: Traffic lights: Red means stop, yellow means caution, and green means go. Yellow signs also warn drivers of upcoming curves, pedestrian crossings, and animal crossings. Patriotism: Most, if not all countries have a flag. The colors of each flag are usually seen as patriotic. Red, white, and blue symbolizes patriotism in the U.S.A. Holidays: Red and green are favorite Christmas colours. Colors of Autumn such as orange, brown, yellow and red are associated with Thanksgiving with black and orange associated with Halloween. Pastel colors are used for Easter. Because flowers are a common gift for Mother's Day, colors such as yellow, pink, and red are used frequently.

Color Symbolism Chart Red: Excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, all things intense and passionate, sincerity, happiness (Only in Japan) Evil or sadness- Just like in the western world- black. Emotions: Blue is seen as conservative. Red is power and aggression. Brighter colors such as yellow and orange represent warmth not only with emotions but also with temperature. Cool colors are blue, green, black or any color with a dark shade. When someone is feeling down or depressed, it is said they are feeling "blue." When someone is angry they "see red." When someone is seen to be afraid or "chicken" they are called "yellow." Ecology: Obviously green is the major color symbolizing ecology.

The new phrase for people or companies who find ways to cut back on electricity, fuel, or things that damage the environment is "going green." Phrases: When something is seen as opposite, extreme, or a firm position, it is said to be "black or white." When something is not clear or not in a firm position, it is said to be a "gray area." The blues describe a form of music. Religion: Colours are also used in religious ceremonies or represent aspects of religion. Native Americans include colors in religious ceremonies. The Navajo Nation considers four colors to be important: Turquoise, white, yellow, and black. These colors represent four sacred mountains. The Apache Nation also considers four colors to be important: Green, white, yellow and black. These are sacred colors of the white mountain and are also used in government. The Iowa Nation also considers four colors to be sacred: Black, yellow, red and white. They represent direction, their flag, and what they consider to be four races of man. [ 1 ] In Tibetan Buddhism, blue is the color of Vairochana, a celestial Buddha, whose image is the immensity of sky blue.

[ 2 ] Buddhist monks wear orange (specifically the color saffron) robes primarily due to tradition. That was the least expensive color dye at the time and that is what they continued to wear. The robes themselves symbolize "simplicity and detachment of materialism." [ 3 ] Green is the traditional color of Islam. The Islamic flag is green. Green is also mentioned in the Quran as the color of garments, cushions and carpets in paradise. [ 4 ] In Hinduism, saffron is their most sacred color. Saffron represents fire that burns our impurities. Yellow represents knowledge and learning. The color green of the Maharashtra represents life and happiness. The color blue is like infinity like the vastness of the oceans and sky. [ 5 ] In Christianity, the color red symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ and of sacrifice. White represents the body of Christ. Black represents sin in Catholic liturgy. Gray is the color of ash and this represents repentance in Catholicism. Purple is the liturgical color for the seasons of Advent and Lent. Heaven is described as having a lot of gold in buildings and streets. White and silver are used in liturgy during Christmas and Easter.

[ 6 ] The Bible says that many in the Middle East and Rome valued colored gems and jewelry. Red and white coral was used for beads and ornaments. Red rubies and light blue turquoise were given as gifts. (Ezekiel 27:16) Use in Medicine and Therapy: Colors are sometimes used in therapy (Also called Chromotherapy). Colors have a huge effect on people who have brain disorders or who are emotionally troubled. The color blue has a calming effect on many people and lowers respiration and blood pressure. Red has the opposite effect. Some therapists use green to sooth and relax emotionally disturbed people who suffer from anxiety or depression. Some claim that the color violet is good for migraines and in "cases of cellulitis caused by a poor elimination, heaviness or sluggishness after eating, disorders of the spleen, bladder and kidney." [ 7 ] Yellow helps energize people and relieves depression. Color in World Culture Color means many different things to different people and cultures. We all have our own favorite colors. People like different colors like they like different foods. Color also represents feelings, people, countries, cultures, and color symbolism. In the western world, the color red is seen frequently of symbolizing anger or aggression.

Some car insurance companies charge more for red cars because some of the owners of red cars are more aggressive or take more risks. Black: The History of a Color - Black-- favorite color of priests and penitents, artists and ascetics, fashion designers and fascists- has always stood for powerfully opposed ideas: authority and humility, sin and holiness, rebellion and conformity, wealth and poverty, good and bad. In this illustrated book, the acclaimed author of " Blue " now tells the fascinating social history of the color black in Europe. Color and Meaning: Art, Science, and Symbolism - Does color have an effect on our feelings? The phenomenon of color is examined in new ways in John Gage's latest book. His study is informed by the conviction that color is a contingent, historical occurrence whose meaning, like language, lies in the particular contexts in which it is experienced and interpreted. Veiled Brightness: A History of Ancient Maya Color - Veiled Brightness reconstructs what color meant to the ancient Maya, a set of linked peoples and societies who flourished in and around the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and Central America.

By using insights from archaeology, linguistics, art history, and conservation, the book charts over two millennium of color use in a region celebrated for its aesthetic refinement and high degree of craftsmanship. Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color - This authoritative guide presents hundreds of color combinations and color principles needed to create effective designs. Every lesson is demonstrated by example, enabling designers of all specialties and levels of experience to make the best color choices for every type of design. Lessons in Color What Colors Mean Word Wise > Speaking of Language What Colors Mean We live in a colorful world. In many countries, colors represent various holidays; they are also used to express feelings and enliven language. Find your favorite color and see what it means around the world. Red For the ancient Romans, a red flag was a signal for battle. Because of its visibility, stop signs, stoplights, brake lights, and fire equipment are all painted red. The ancient Egyptians considered themselves a red race and painted their bodies with red dye for emphasis. In Russia, red means beautiful. The Bolsheviks used a red flag as their symbol when they overthrew the tsar in 1917. That is how red became the color of communism.

In India, red is the symbol for a soldier. In South Africa, red is the color of mourning. It's considered good luck to tie a red bow on a new car. In China, red is the color of good luck and is used as a holiday and wedding color. Chinese babies are given their names at a red-egg ceremony. Superstitious people think red frightens the devil. A “red-letter day” is one of special importance and good fortune. In Greece, eggs are dyed red for good luck at Easter time. To “paint the town red” is to celebrate. Red is the color most commonly found in national flags. In the English War of the Roses, red was the color of the House of Lancaster, which defeated the House of York, symbolized by the color white. The “Redshirts” were the soldiers of the Italian leader Garibaldi, who unified modern Italy in the nineteenth century. To “see red” is to be angry. A “red herring” is a distraction, something that takes attention away from the real issue. A “red eye” is an overnight airplane flight. If a business is “in the red,” it is losing money.

Green Only one national flag is a solid color: the green flag of Libya. Ancient Egyptians colored the floors of their temples green. In ancient Greece, green symbolized victory. In the highlands of Scotland, people wore green as a mark of honor. Green is the national color of Ireland. A “greenback” is slang for a U.S. dollar bill. Green means “go.” When “all systems are green,” it means everything is in order. The green room of a concert hall or theater is where performers relax before going onstage. The “green-eyed monster” is jealousy. A greenhorn is a newcomer or unsophisticated person. Green is youthful. Being “green around the gills” is looking pale and sickly. “Green with envy” means full of envy or jealousy. A person with a “green thumb” is good at making plants grow. A green, or common, is a town park. Green is a healing color, the color of nature. Blue In ancient Rome, public servants wore blue. Today, police and other public servants wear blue. In Iran, blue is the color of mourning. Blue was used as protection against witches, who supposedly dislike the color.

If you are “true blue,” you are loyal and faithful. Blue stands for love, which is why a bride carries or wears something blue on her wedding day. A room painted blue is said to be relaxing. “Feeling blue” is feeling sad. “Blue devils” are feelings of depression. Something “out of the blue” is from an unknown source at an unexpected time. A bluebook is a list of socially prominent people. The first prize gets a blue ribbon. A blue blood is a person of noble descent. This is probably from the blue veins of the fair-complexioned aristocrats who first used this term. “Into the blue” means into the unknown. A “bluenose” is a strict, puritanical person. A “bluestocking” used to be a scholarly or highly knowledgeable woman. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt wore blue for protection against evil. The “blues” is a style of music derived from southern African-American secular songs. It influenced the development of rock, R&B, and country music. “Blue laws” are used to enforce moral standards. A blue ribbon panel is a group of especially qualified people. Purple, Violet The Egyptian queen Cleopatra loved purple.

To obtain one ounce of Tyrian purple dye, she had her servants soak 20,000 Purpura snails for 10 days. In Thailand, purple is worn by a widow mourning her husband's death. A “purple heart” is a U.S. military decoration for soldiers wounded or killed in battle. Purple is a royal color. Purple robes are an emblem of authority and rank. “Purple speech” is profane talk. “Purple prose” is writing that is full of exaggerated literary effects and ornamentation. Leonardo da Vinci believed that the power of meditation increases 10 times when done in a purple light, as in the purple light of stained glass. Purple in a child's room is said to help develop the imagination according to color theory. Richard Wagner composed his operas in a room with shades of violet, his color of inspiration. Yellow In Egypt and Burma, yellow signifies mourning. In Spain, executioners once wore yellow. In India, yellow is the symbol for a merchant or farmer. In tenth-century France, the doors of traitors and criminals were painted yellow. Hindus in India wear yellow to celebrate the festival of spring.

If someone is said to have a “yellow streak,” that person is considered a coward. In Japan during the War of Dynasty in 1357, each warrior wore a yellow chrysanthemum as a pledge of courage. A yellow ribbon is a sign of support for soldiers at the front. Yellow is a symbol of jealousy and deceit. In the Middle Ages, actors portraying the dead in a play wore yellow. To holistic healers, yellow is the color of peace. Yellow has good visibility and is often used as a color of warning. It is also a symbol for quarantine, an area marked off because of danger. “Yellow journalism” refers to irresponsible and alarmist reporting. White A white flag is the universal symbol for truce. White means mourning in China and Japan. Angels are usually depicted wearing white robes. The ancient Greeks wore white to bed to ensure pleasant dreams. The Egyptian pharaohs wore white crowns. The ancient Persians believed all gods wore white.

A “white elephant” is a rare, pale elephant considered sacred to the people of India, Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka; in this country, it is either a possession that costs more than it is worth to keep or an item that the owner doesn't want but can't get rid of. It's considered good luck to be married in a white garment. White heat is a state of intense enthusiasm, anger, devotion, or passion. To whitewash is to gloss over defects or make something seem presentable that isn't. A “white knight” is a rescuer. A white list contains favored items (as opposed to a blacklist). A “whiteout” occurs when there is zero visibility during a blizzard. A “white sale” is a sale of sheets, towels, and other bed and bath items. A “whited sepulcher” is a person who is evil inside but appears good on the outside, a hypocrite. “White lightning” is slang for moonshine, a homebrewed alcohol. A white room is a clean room as well as a temperature-controlled, dust-free room for precision instruments. White water is the foamy, frothy water in rapids and waterfalls.

Black The ancient Egyptians and Romans used black for mourning, as do most Europeans and Americans today. The “Blackshirts” were the security troops in Hitler's German army, also known as the S.S. Black often stands for secrecy. Black humor is morbid or unhealthy and gloomy humor. A “blackhearted” person is evil. If a business is “in the black,” it is making money. A “blacklist” is a list of persons or organizations to be boycotted or punished. Black is associated with sophistication and elegance. A “black tie” event is formal. A black belt in karate identifies an expert. A black flag in a car race is the signal for a driver to go to the pits. A blackguard is a scoundrel. The ancient Egyptians believed that black cats had divine powers. Black lung is a coal miner's disease caused by the frequent inhaling of coal dust. Blackmail is getting things by threat. Black market is illegal trade in goods or money. A black sheep is an outcast. “Blackwash” (as opposed to “whitewash”) is to uncover or bring out in the light.

A blackout is a period of darkness from the loss of electricity, for protection against nighttime air raids, or, in the theater, to separate scenes in a play. When you “black out,” you temporarily lose consciousness.

Question: What colour does verdant mean
Answer: Green